Ascendance 1:2
“It’s always nice to have you home for dinner, Alex,” his mother said as she served food to Alex and his father, Vincent Milano.
“Well, I’ve always liked home cooking,” Alex said smiling.
“So how was your day?” she asked him as she finished serving the meals and then sat down at the table.
“It was… pleasant.”
“How was work?” Vincent Milano asked.
“Business went well,” Alex replied.
“That’s not what I heard,” his father said back to him.
“What?” his mother asked. “Was there a problem at the construction site?”
“Alex… overdid it,” Milano replied.
“Overdid it?” Alex responded. “You can’t build a tower with spectators that close. I just made sure the job site was secured.”
“You know, Alex,” his mother said. “You always seem to be working hard. Maybe your father can give you a raise and you can finally move out of that loft and into a real house.”
“Oh no, Angie,” Milano replied. “He gets paid enough. Trust me.” They all began to eat.
A few minutes later, Alex glanced to an empty spot at the end of the table and noticed there was a chair and silverware set up there. “Why do we have another spot set at the table set?”
“I have a friend coming over and its nice to have a spot ready incase he comes during dinner,” Milano replied.
“A friend?” Alex asked.
“Velister Riosi.”
“I’ve heard that name before,” Alex thought aloud.
There was a knock at the front door of the home. Vincent Milano left his chair to answer the door. A man in a crimson jacket with a short blood red cape and black pants was at the door. Alex glanced over his shoulder as his father greeted the blonde haired man. They shook hands and then both walked toward the dining the room.
“Vel, would you like anything to eat?” Angela Milano asked him.
“No thank, you. I’m just here to talk to Alex,” he replied while eyeing Alex with magenta eyes.
“What?” Alex asked, confused. Alex quickly surveyed the jacket and recognized it as an Imperial uniform. The jacket was decorated with black marks on the shoulders representing a high rank in the Truskan military.
“Alex, come to the living room,” Vincent Milano demanded. Alex stood up.
“Hold up one second,” Alex replied. “I have to get something from upstairs.”
“Alex,” said Velister Riosi, “the house is surrounded by Elites. Just come in here so we can talk.” Alex immediately created a visual map of how he could escape the house from upstairs, hoping to take some of the revered Elites down at the same time, but reluctantly followed his father and Riosi to the front of the house.
“What’s going on, Vincent?” Angela Milano asked.
“Nothing, Angie. Just stay in the kitchen.”
The trio walked through a hallway into the living room at the front of the house. Sunlight from the Viti star illuminated the room through decorative mechanical blinds. There was another man, dressed in a similar uniform as Riosi, but the markings showed a lower rank, sitting on one of the couches in the room.
“Have a seat, Alex,” Riosi commanded. Alex took a seat on a second couch in the room. “As you most likely already know, I’m the general of the Truskan’s Thirteenth Legion. Your father called me here to discuss a few things, but unfortunately we’ll have to take you to Truska to further explain why I made this trip to your home today.”
“So I’m being arrested?” Alex asked.
“Why do you ask that?” Riosi responded. “Have you done anything that would warrant an arrest?”
“What do you have to discuss?” Alex asked, ignoring Riosi’s question.
“Well,” Riosi began, “to summarize… you made a mistake today.”
“A Mistake?”
“Yes. You see, the Thirteenth Legion does more than just provide security to the Truskan systems. We also monitor all of our planets for certain activity among its residents. There has been a scientific prediction that a new age of humanity will begin soon… I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, Alex.”
“The Elites?”
“No, no. The Truskan Elites were only the first part of a change to the subatomic structure of the molecules that make up the human body. I’m talking about people like you… people who surpass the strength and capabilities of even the Elites.”
“If you believe that, then why did you warn me about them outside? Aren’t you afraid I could just easily brush them aside and run away?”
“No, that doesn’t worry me at all. If you tried to run, you wouldn’t make it out the front door… but back to the mistake you made. I’m sure you already know that these nice people here aren’t your real parents. Well, you weren’t the only… gifted… that we sent to live with friends of the Truskan military. There was another on this planet… in this town even… that we had been monitoring. Her ability was latent, but when she got older her potential would have been incredible.”
“Did she happen to be living with a coworker of my father’s?”
“A recently deceased coworker.”
Alex swiftly rose to his feet, motioning his hand toward the lower rank Imperial sitting on the couch. An invisible force powerfully forced the man and couch backward against the wall and then continued to push the man upward into the mechanical blinds and then through the window, sending him onto the ground about 10 yards away from the house. At the same time, Alex began walking toward the front door of the house, motioning his other hand toward it. The door exploded open, breaking into pieces. Alex ran through the doorway, noticing many other Imperial soldiers outside of the house.
Before he could focus his attention on the men outside, Alex felt his body go limp. His hands became pinned behind his back and both of his feet were brought together and tripped up, interrupting his run. He fell face-first onto the front porch of the Milano’s home. He landed on the side of his face and bit his tongue. An invisible force then dragged his body backward by his feet, sliding his face along the ground and pulling his feet into the air. Then his feet were pulled higher, and his face was lifted off of the ground. Alex hung in the air upside down, both of his feet appearing to be tied together and his hands behind his back.
Alex began to laugh as Velister Riosi and Vincent Milano exited the home. The Imperial that Alex threw through the window was being assisted by other men in similar uniforms. Alex began to chuckle silently while spitting out blood. His laugh began to grow louder.
“What’s so funny?” Riosi asked the incapacitated Alex.
“I made it out of the front door,” Alex said, still laughing.
“You see, Vel,” Vincent Milano said, “he’s out of control.”
“OUT OF CONTROL!?” Alex screamed, quickly interrupting his laugh. “You traitor! You pathetic old man! I’ll kill you! I’ll slit your throat! I’ll kill mother! I’ll tear her apart! You’ll both suffer!”
Riosi moved closer to Alex, glancing down at his bleeding face. “My, my, aren’t you a scary boy.” Alex became silent again, glaring back up at Riosi. Riosi moved even closer, pressing his right palm against Alex’s chest. Alex felt a jolt of energy where Riosi’s hand was and then felt his body go numb. He slightly felt his back hit the ground as his vision became dark. His eyes were wide open, but he everything was dark. The faint image of Velister Riosi looked down at him. Finally total darkness engulfed him.
* * *
A red cape with a black design of a lion attached to it dragged along the ground as Avalang paced back and forth in front of the projected monitor. Avalang ran his right hand through one of two lengthy, thick strands of hair that protruded from red cloth wraps that covered his face and forehead except for his dark red eyes. The cape circled Avalang’s body, becoming thicker to his sides, covering red and black leg plates, a red breastplate with a black lion painted on it, and a utility belt that seemed to have many daggers attached all around his waist. The hilts of two swords were visible, the one on his right side with the word ‘sanctus’ written on it and ‘diabolus’ on the left, but the blades were invisible, lost into the red and black cloths.
“So the T.C. devices are ready?” Avalang asked in a low pitch, warped voice.
“We believe we’ve gained as much data from him as we possibly can,” said the pale skinned man on the monitor. The man had black eyes - a black iris - with white pupils that were darkened by a shadow created from a black hood. “I’m sending Beta a copy of the design and they should be able to produce a few should you ever need to use it.”
“Have you tested it?”
“Of course we have. It’s somewhat safe to use in a last resort situation, but I wouldn’t recommend using it for aesthetic reasons. The energy that makes up the human consciousness has some trouble transferring and some abnormalities may arise in the individuals that undergo this treatment.”
“What kind of abnormalities?”
“Insanity is one example.”
A man entered the small, dark chamber via an automatic door. A small light illuminated the area where the man was standing. “Emperor Avalang, General Riosi is here.”
“Ah, yes,” Avalang responded to the man looking over his shoulder. “Send him in.” The man exited the room, closing the door and causing the light to turn off. Avalang continued his conversation with the man on the monitor. “I’m sorry, brother, but we’ll have to discuss this at another time. I have an important appointment right now.”
“Appointment, eh? Would you like me to send you information on the causes of psychological attachment? It’s actually quite an interesting read.”
“No, thank you,” Avalang responded quickly turning off the monitor. Avalang turned and walked to a large chair in one of the corners of the dark chamber. He sat down, placing both of his hands at the top edge of the armrests. A few seconds later the automatic door slid open and the small light turned on once again. The light illuminated Velister Riosi as he entered the chamber.
“Vel,” said Avalang. “How is he?”
“Just as ill-tempered as Milano had told us,” Riosi responded.
“Are you talking about the boy, Alex? That’s not what I was asking you about.”
“Oh… that,” began Velister, appearing to not want to discuss the subject. “He’s been… quiet.”
“Good. That means there’s still time. Now, about the boy?”
“He seems to have no loyalties to anyone - especially the Truskan empire. I’m not sure he’s the right candidate for the job.”
“Unfortunately he’s the only candidate left. I want to test him, but I also don’t want him jeopardizing our campaigns. Should we try personality remodeling?” Avalang asked.
“I’ve spoken to our medical psychologists and if Milano’s reports are accurate, it would be impossible to turn off his aggression and keep his powers active. His power actually stems from his aggression and his instability was actually the catalyst that helped it develop. He kills for pleasure… he even raped a 14 year old girl and then shot her. She was one of our potential Evolved Humans.”
“There’s an age old study that states that rapists rape not for the sexual pleasure, but because subconsciously they are seeking power. Rape is a way of expressing complete power and control over a victim. Perhaps our Alex is also seeking power.”
“Would you like me to use the same story that we used on the other R.U.P. candidates?”
“That may work. We need his power to strengthen and his body to adapt to the new strength. The old story goes hand and hand with what we’re trying to accomplish.”
“Then it’s decided,” Riosi said as he turned around, preparing to leave. “I’ll do my best, Avalang.”
As Riosi began to exit the chamber, Avalang spoke. “Velister. The new era is beginning. Alex is just the first of many. Please be more cautious in identifying these new Evolved Humans… no… Transcend Humans. I need to know what caused this.”
“Yes, Avalang.” Riosi exited the room.
Avalang slowly stood up, putting his hand to his forehead in thought. “If it all seems too much like a coincidence… then it most likely isn’t. Aldyn… what are you really up to?”
The darkness faded. Alex felt his hands bound. He was sitting on a cold, metallic chair slumped over with his face on a cold table. He lifted his head up and looked straight ahead. Two rows of men lined the wall of a short, narrow, gray corridor. The men wore red uniforms with black trim. Their faces were covered in blood red cloth. They all had two plasma blades sheathed on their backs.
“Welcome back to the conscious world, Alex,” said a familiar voice from a distance. Velister Riosi entered the corridor from the opposite end of Alex and began to walk toward him between the entourage of Imperial soldiers. Riosi stopped in front of the table and looked down at Alex. “Welcome to the Julii. Don’t stand up. Don’t move.” Riosi sat down into a chair opposite of Alex. “I bet you want to try to take on one of these Elite soldiers, am I right?”
“I could do it,” Alex replied.
“Actually you wouldn’t be able to,” retorted Riosi. “You see, the power that you possess stems from a change in the subatomic particles that make up the atoms and molecules of not just humans, but everything in the universe. These changes allow your body to absorb and manipulate energy around you. However, the more you use and develop that power, the more strain it puts on your physical body. It’s difficult to explain, but to summarize it… your abilities are limited by the physical strength of your body.”
“Why are you explaining this to me?” Alex asked. “I thought I was being brought here to be arrested.”
“You’ve already been arrested, but we’ve decided that your punishment will not be prison. You have been a valuable asset that we’ve been monitoring for some time… but you didn’t grow up as planned.”
“Asset? You make it seem like I’ve been working for the Empire.”
“Actually, you have been… for about 5 years now. You see, Vincent Milano has been a partner of the Thirteenth Legion. We give him… assignments… and he finds ways to get them done. The most recent assignment has been the assassination of a man who began to work for a friend of the Viti government. The Viti system has had problems staying loyal to the Empire, and someone we trained could become a harsh enemy should the Viti government decide to start taking out Truskan officials there. Milano had you take care of that man for us… but he miscalculated the recovery of our Evolved Human. Sending you to do the job was obviously a bad idea.”
“So you know about all the jobs I’ve done?”
“Yes we do. We were the ones who assigned them. But let’s discuss why you’re here. The girl you killed is more or less an acceptable loss and we’re not going to dispose of you for your little mistake. However, we will require that you do something for us…. Don’t respond. I know if I send you into combat you’re just as likely to turn around and kill my men as you are the enemy. Someone like you needs an incentive.”
“Incentive?”
“Power… a power that’s only granted to one individual. I’m sure you’ve heard about it.”
“The Blessing of Arrak… my father told me about it. It’s granted to the strongest of people like me.” Alex became less relaxed and more interested in what Riosi was saying.
“Well, Alex, Arrak has taken interest in you, but you will need to prove you are worthy of such power.”
“I thought Arrak was just a legend. I didn’t believe in any gods.”
“You should start believing then. Avalang is the emperor of the strongest military might in the universe. We raise the strongest warriors the human race has ever seen. Arrak knows Avalang well. Only a god can grant someone that much power.”
“What kind of power? How is it even possible?”
“Arrak’s blessing will increase your body’s capacity to sustain contact with what we call the ‘Ethereal Plane’. Eventually, as your power develops, you will be able to understand what I’m talking about. If you could infinitely manipulate the very energies that make up this universe, your potential would be endless.”
“I always knew I could be the strongest… no… I knew I AM the strongest. If Arrak has noticed me then I’ll do what it is you need me to do to gain this… blessing.”
“Well… remember that Arrak believes that there can only be one strongest in the universe. We’ve heard rumors that the Federation has obtained their own Evolved Human and that he may be one of their military assets. We’ve also received word, thanks to the lack of security within the feeble Federation military networks, that they are planning to attack on one of our Capital Ships in the Tiluven system. The Themis is also where a traitor of the Federation is living... Maxwell Achord. He has been helping us establish a peaceful relationship with the Tiluven governments so that we won’t need to keep too many forces in that area.”
“So this Evolved Human is going to attempt to kill your traitor?” Alex asked.
“It may be an entire fleet or it may be just this Evolved Human. If a fleet attacks the Themis, we have half of a legion waiting to counter attack. If it’s just the Evolved Human, we need you to take him out. The rumors say that he’s strong, like you. Perhaps Arrak has taken interest in him as well.”
“Then I’ll remove him from the competition altogether. And if Arrak still doesn’t grant me his power, I’ll find him and kill him too.”
“Your ego truly amazes me, Alex.” Riosi stood up. “Also, Alex, it would be beneficial to us if you let them kill Achord. He’s no longer needed as the remaining Tiluven planets have already been scheduled for destruction by Avalang. You just need to make sure that the new Federation weapon is taken care of. Any questions?”
“I have a request actually,” Alex replied. “I want a Plasma Blade.”
“Done. Just remember, Alex… Evolved Humans like you aren’t old men or 14 year old girls. Throw away your ego and pride and focus. The more you focus, the stronger you’ll become.”
“I’ll keep that in mind while I’m tearing him apart.”
The door to the dark chamber opened and the light turned on, shining down on General Velister Riosi. “Yes?” Avalang said sitting in his chair.
“Alex Milano bought it. He will be traveling to Tiluven to fight the Federation’s new Evolved Human. If that goes well then perhaps we can have him fight against some of the Elites to strengthen his body.”
“Perhaps,” responded Avalang. “I think it’s time we dropped the term ‘Evolved Human’ for people like Alex. We are now in the age of ‘Transcend Humans’.”
“What’s the difference?” asked Riosi. “We are all different from normal people.”
“It’s the sight, Velister. You of all people should know this… you were the first, after all.”
“What happens if Alex isn’t as strong as we thought he would be? What if this Federation ‘weapon’ is the lost one?”
“The lost one was the stronger one,” replied Avalang. “I’ve thought about this as well. I already have a plan should that be the case.”
“Is there anything I should prepare for?”
“At the moment, no…” Avalang pressed a button on the chair, causing it to turn around facing another projected monitor. “Just don’t go angering your inner demon.”
“Yes, Avalang.” He began to exit the room.
“One more thing, Velister,” Avalang called out.
“Yes?”
“Talk to the Second Legion. I want all of Tiluven burned within the next three weeks.”
“It’ll be done.”
Chapter 3: Tiluven is completed and typed, although not entirely editted. Chapter 4 is almost finished in writing and should be typed within the next week.
“Well, I’ve always liked home cooking,” Alex said smiling.
“So how was your day?” she asked him as she finished serving the meals and then sat down at the table.
“It was… pleasant.”
“How was work?” Vincent Milano asked.
“Business went well,” Alex replied.
“That’s not what I heard,” his father said back to him.
“What?” his mother asked. “Was there a problem at the construction site?”
“Alex… overdid it,” Milano replied.
“Overdid it?” Alex responded. “You can’t build a tower with spectators that close. I just made sure the job site was secured.”
“You know, Alex,” his mother said. “You always seem to be working hard. Maybe your father can give you a raise and you can finally move out of that loft and into a real house.”
“Oh no, Angie,” Milano replied. “He gets paid enough. Trust me.” They all began to eat.
A few minutes later, Alex glanced to an empty spot at the end of the table and noticed there was a chair and silverware set up there. “Why do we have another spot set at the table set?”
“I have a friend coming over and its nice to have a spot ready incase he comes during dinner,” Milano replied.
“A friend?” Alex asked.
“Velister Riosi.”
“I’ve heard that name before,” Alex thought aloud.
There was a knock at the front door of the home. Vincent Milano left his chair to answer the door. A man in a crimson jacket with a short blood red cape and black pants was at the door. Alex glanced over his shoulder as his father greeted the blonde haired man. They shook hands and then both walked toward the dining the room.
“Vel, would you like anything to eat?” Angela Milano asked him.
“No thank, you. I’m just here to talk to Alex,” he replied while eyeing Alex with magenta eyes.
“What?” Alex asked, confused. Alex quickly surveyed the jacket and recognized it as an Imperial uniform. The jacket was decorated with black marks on the shoulders representing a high rank in the Truskan military.
“Alex, come to the living room,” Vincent Milano demanded. Alex stood up.
“Hold up one second,” Alex replied. “I have to get something from upstairs.”
“Alex,” said Velister Riosi, “the house is surrounded by Elites. Just come in here so we can talk.” Alex immediately created a visual map of how he could escape the house from upstairs, hoping to take some of the revered Elites down at the same time, but reluctantly followed his father and Riosi to the front of the house.
“What’s going on, Vincent?” Angela Milano asked.
“Nothing, Angie. Just stay in the kitchen.”
The trio walked through a hallway into the living room at the front of the house. Sunlight from the Viti star illuminated the room through decorative mechanical blinds. There was another man, dressed in a similar uniform as Riosi, but the markings showed a lower rank, sitting on one of the couches in the room.
“Have a seat, Alex,” Riosi commanded. Alex took a seat on a second couch in the room. “As you most likely already know, I’m the general of the Truskan’s Thirteenth Legion. Your father called me here to discuss a few things, but unfortunately we’ll have to take you to Truska to further explain why I made this trip to your home today.”
“So I’m being arrested?” Alex asked.
“Why do you ask that?” Riosi responded. “Have you done anything that would warrant an arrest?”
“What do you have to discuss?” Alex asked, ignoring Riosi’s question.
“Well,” Riosi began, “to summarize… you made a mistake today.”
“A Mistake?”
“Yes. You see, the Thirteenth Legion does more than just provide security to the Truskan systems. We also monitor all of our planets for certain activity among its residents. There has been a scientific prediction that a new age of humanity will begin soon… I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, Alex.”
“The Elites?”
“No, no. The Truskan Elites were only the first part of a change to the subatomic structure of the molecules that make up the human body. I’m talking about people like you… people who surpass the strength and capabilities of even the Elites.”
“If you believe that, then why did you warn me about them outside? Aren’t you afraid I could just easily brush them aside and run away?”
“No, that doesn’t worry me at all. If you tried to run, you wouldn’t make it out the front door… but back to the mistake you made. I’m sure you already know that these nice people here aren’t your real parents. Well, you weren’t the only… gifted… that we sent to live with friends of the Truskan military. There was another on this planet… in this town even… that we had been monitoring. Her ability was latent, but when she got older her potential would have been incredible.”
“Did she happen to be living with a coworker of my father’s?”
“A recently deceased coworker.”
Alex swiftly rose to his feet, motioning his hand toward the lower rank Imperial sitting on the couch. An invisible force powerfully forced the man and couch backward against the wall and then continued to push the man upward into the mechanical blinds and then through the window, sending him onto the ground about 10 yards away from the house. At the same time, Alex began walking toward the front door of the house, motioning his other hand toward it. The door exploded open, breaking into pieces. Alex ran through the doorway, noticing many other Imperial soldiers outside of the house.
Before he could focus his attention on the men outside, Alex felt his body go limp. His hands became pinned behind his back and both of his feet were brought together and tripped up, interrupting his run. He fell face-first onto the front porch of the Milano’s home. He landed on the side of his face and bit his tongue. An invisible force then dragged his body backward by his feet, sliding his face along the ground and pulling his feet into the air. Then his feet were pulled higher, and his face was lifted off of the ground. Alex hung in the air upside down, both of his feet appearing to be tied together and his hands behind his back.
Alex began to laugh as Velister Riosi and Vincent Milano exited the home. The Imperial that Alex threw through the window was being assisted by other men in similar uniforms. Alex began to chuckle silently while spitting out blood. His laugh began to grow louder.
“What’s so funny?” Riosi asked the incapacitated Alex.
“I made it out of the front door,” Alex said, still laughing.
“You see, Vel,” Vincent Milano said, “he’s out of control.”
“OUT OF CONTROL!?” Alex screamed, quickly interrupting his laugh. “You traitor! You pathetic old man! I’ll kill you! I’ll slit your throat! I’ll kill mother! I’ll tear her apart! You’ll both suffer!”
Riosi moved closer to Alex, glancing down at his bleeding face. “My, my, aren’t you a scary boy.” Alex became silent again, glaring back up at Riosi. Riosi moved even closer, pressing his right palm against Alex’s chest. Alex felt a jolt of energy where Riosi’s hand was and then felt his body go numb. He slightly felt his back hit the ground as his vision became dark. His eyes were wide open, but he everything was dark. The faint image of Velister Riosi looked down at him. Finally total darkness engulfed him.
* * *
A red cape with a black design of a lion attached to it dragged along the ground as Avalang paced back and forth in front of the projected monitor. Avalang ran his right hand through one of two lengthy, thick strands of hair that protruded from red cloth wraps that covered his face and forehead except for his dark red eyes. The cape circled Avalang’s body, becoming thicker to his sides, covering red and black leg plates, a red breastplate with a black lion painted on it, and a utility belt that seemed to have many daggers attached all around his waist. The hilts of two swords were visible, the one on his right side with the word ‘sanctus’ written on it and ‘diabolus’ on the left, but the blades were invisible, lost into the red and black cloths.
“So the T.C. devices are ready?” Avalang asked in a low pitch, warped voice.
“We believe we’ve gained as much data from him as we possibly can,” said the pale skinned man on the monitor. The man had black eyes - a black iris - with white pupils that were darkened by a shadow created from a black hood. “I’m sending Beta a copy of the design and they should be able to produce a few should you ever need to use it.”
“Have you tested it?”
“Of course we have. It’s somewhat safe to use in a last resort situation, but I wouldn’t recommend using it for aesthetic reasons. The energy that makes up the human consciousness has some trouble transferring and some abnormalities may arise in the individuals that undergo this treatment.”
“What kind of abnormalities?”
“Insanity is one example.”
A man entered the small, dark chamber via an automatic door. A small light illuminated the area where the man was standing. “Emperor Avalang, General Riosi is here.”
“Ah, yes,” Avalang responded to the man looking over his shoulder. “Send him in.” The man exited the room, closing the door and causing the light to turn off. Avalang continued his conversation with the man on the monitor. “I’m sorry, brother, but we’ll have to discuss this at another time. I have an important appointment right now.”
“Appointment, eh? Would you like me to send you information on the causes of psychological attachment? It’s actually quite an interesting read.”
“No, thank you,” Avalang responded quickly turning off the monitor. Avalang turned and walked to a large chair in one of the corners of the dark chamber. He sat down, placing both of his hands at the top edge of the armrests. A few seconds later the automatic door slid open and the small light turned on once again. The light illuminated Velister Riosi as he entered the chamber.
“Vel,” said Avalang. “How is he?”
“Just as ill-tempered as Milano had told us,” Riosi responded.
“Are you talking about the boy, Alex? That’s not what I was asking you about.”
“Oh… that,” began Velister, appearing to not want to discuss the subject. “He’s been… quiet.”
“Good. That means there’s still time. Now, about the boy?”
“He seems to have no loyalties to anyone - especially the Truskan empire. I’m not sure he’s the right candidate for the job.”
“Unfortunately he’s the only candidate left. I want to test him, but I also don’t want him jeopardizing our campaigns. Should we try personality remodeling?” Avalang asked.
“I’ve spoken to our medical psychologists and if Milano’s reports are accurate, it would be impossible to turn off his aggression and keep his powers active. His power actually stems from his aggression and his instability was actually the catalyst that helped it develop. He kills for pleasure… he even raped a 14 year old girl and then shot her. She was one of our potential Evolved Humans.”
“There’s an age old study that states that rapists rape not for the sexual pleasure, but because subconsciously they are seeking power. Rape is a way of expressing complete power and control over a victim. Perhaps our Alex is also seeking power.”
“Would you like me to use the same story that we used on the other R.U.P. candidates?”
“That may work. We need his power to strengthen and his body to adapt to the new strength. The old story goes hand and hand with what we’re trying to accomplish.”
“Then it’s decided,” Riosi said as he turned around, preparing to leave. “I’ll do my best, Avalang.”
As Riosi began to exit the chamber, Avalang spoke. “Velister. The new era is beginning. Alex is just the first of many. Please be more cautious in identifying these new Evolved Humans… no… Transcend Humans. I need to know what caused this.”
“Yes, Avalang.” Riosi exited the room.
Avalang slowly stood up, putting his hand to his forehead in thought. “If it all seems too much like a coincidence… then it most likely isn’t. Aldyn… what are you really up to?”
The darkness faded. Alex felt his hands bound. He was sitting on a cold, metallic chair slumped over with his face on a cold table. He lifted his head up and looked straight ahead. Two rows of men lined the wall of a short, narrow, gray corridor. The men wore red uniforms with black trim. Their faces were covered in blood red cloth. They all had two plasma blades sheathed on their backs.
“Welcome back to the conscious world, Alex,” said a familiar voice from a distance. Velister Riosi entered the corridor from the opposite end of Alex and began to walk toward him between the entourage of Imperial soldiers. Riosi stopped in front of the table and looked down at Alex. “Welcome to the Julii. Don’t stand up. Don’t move.” Riosi sat down into a chair opposite of Alex. “I bet you want to try to take on one of these Elite soldiers, am I right?”
“I could do it,” Alex replied.
“Actually you wouldn’t be able to,” retorted Riosi. “You see, the power that you possess stems from a change in the subatomic particles that make up the atoms and molecules of not just humans, but everything in the universe. These changes allow your body to absorb and manipulate energy around you. However, the more you use and develop that power, the more strain it puts on your physical body. It’s difficult to explain, but to summarize it… your abilities are limited by the physical strength of your body.”
“Why are you explaining this to me?” Alex asked. “I thought I was being brought here to be arrested.”
“You’ve already been arrested, but we’ve decided that your punishment will not be prison. You have been a valuable asset that we’ve been monitoring for some time… but you didn’t grow up as planned.”
“Asset? You make it seem like I’ve been working for the Empire.”
“Actually, you have been… for about 5 years now. You see, Vincent Milano has been a partner of the Thirteenth Legion. We give him… assignments… and he finds ways to get them done. The most recent assignment has been the assassination of a man who began to work for a friend of the Viti government. The Viti system has had problems staying loyal to the Empire, and someone we trained could become a harsh enemy should the Viti government decide to start taking out Truskan officials there. Milano had you take care of that man for us… but he miscalculated the recovery of our Evolved Human. Sending you to do the job was obviously a bad idea.”
“So you know about all the jobs I’ve done?”
“Yes we do. We were the ones who assigned them. But let’s discuss why you’re here. The girl you killed is more or less an acceptable loss and we’re not going to dispose of you for your little mistake. However, we will require that you do something for us…. Don’t respond. I know if I send you into combat you’re just as likely to turn around and kill my men as you are the enemy. Someone like you needs an incentive.”
“Incentive?”
“Power… a power that’s only granted to one individual. I’m sure you’ve heard about it.”
“The Blessing of Arrak… my father told me about it. It’s granted to the strongest of people like me.” Alex became less relaxed and more interested in what Riosi was saying.
“Well, Alex, Arrak has taken interest in you, but you will need to prove you are worthy of such power.”
“I thought Arrak was just a legend. I didn’t believe in any gods.”
“You should start believing then. Avalang is the emperor of the strongest military might in the universe. We raise the strongest warriors the human race has ever seen. Arrak knows Avalang well. Only a god can grant someone that much power.”
“What kind of power? How is it even possible?”
“Arrak’s blessing will increase your body’s capacity to sustain contact with what we call the ‘Ethereal Plane’. Eventually, as your power develops, you will be able to understand what I’m talking about. If you could infinitely manipulate the very energies that make up this universe, your potential would be endless.”
“I always knew I could be the strongest… no… I knew I AM the strongest. If Arrak has noticed me then I’ll do what it is you need me to do to gain this… blessing.”
“Well… remember that Arrak believes that there can only be one strongest in the universe. We’ve heard rumors that the Federation has obtained their own Evolved Human and that he may be one of their military assets. We’ve also received word, thanks to the lack of security within the feeble Federation military networks, that they are planning to attack on one of our Capital Ships in the Tiluven system. The Themis is also where a traitor of the Federation is living... Maxwell Achord. He has been helping us establish a peaceful relationship with the Tiluven governments so that we won’t need to keep too many forces in that area.”
“So this Evolved Human is going to attempt to kill your traitor?” Alex asked.
“It may be an entire fleet or it may be just this Evolved Human. If a fleet attacks the Themis, we have half of a legion waiting to counter attack. If it’s just the Evolved Human, we need you to take him out. The rumors say that he’s strong, like you. Perhaps Arrak has taken interest in him as well.”
“Then I’ll remove him from the competition altogether. And if Arrak still doesn’t grant me his power, I’ll find him and kill him too.”
“Your ego truly amazes me, Alex.” Riosi stood up. “Also, Alex, it would be beneficial to us if you let them kill Achord. He’s no longer needed as the remaining Tiluven planets have already been scheduled for destruction by Avalang. You just need to make sure that the new Federation weapon is taken care of. Any questions?”
“I have a request actually,” Alex replied. “I want a Plasma Blade.”
“Done. Just remember, Alex… Evolved Humans like you aren’t old men or 14 year old girls. Throw away your ego and pride and focus. The more you focus, the stronger you’ll become.”
“I’ll keep that in mind while I’m tearing him apart.”
The door to the dark chamber opened and the light turned on, shining down on General Velister Riosi. “Yes?” Avalang said sitting in his chair.
“Alex Milano bought it. He will be traveling to Tiluven to fight the Federation’s new Evolved Human. If that goes well then perhaps we can have him fight against some of the Elites to strengthen his body.”
“Perhaps,” responded Avalang. “I think it’s time we dropped the term ‘Evolved Human’ for people like Alex. We are now in the age of ‘Transcend Humans’.”
“What’s the difference?” asked Riosi. “We are all different from normal people.”
“It’s the sight, Velister. You of all people should know this… you were the first, after all.”
“What happens if Alex isn’t as strong as we thought he would be? What if this Federation ‘weapon’ is the lost one?”
“The lost one was the stronger one,” replied Avalang. “I’ve thought about this as well. I already have a plan should that be the case.”
“Is there anything I should prepare for?”
“At the moment, no…” Avalang pressed a button on the chair, causing it to turn around facing another projected monitor. “Just don’t go angering your inner demon.”
“Yes, Avalang.” He began to exit the room.
“One more thing, Velister,” Avalang called out.
“Yes?”
“Talk to the Second Legion. I want all of Tiluven burned within the next three weeks.”
“It’ll be done.”
Chapter 3: Tiluven is completed and typed, although not entirely editted. Chapter 4 is almost finished in writing and should be typed within the next week.